The NHSPS Community Fund supports 27 charities and community groups across the country, helping to tackle health and social inequalities. It empowers colleagues to get involved through fundraising, volunteering and supporting causes that matter to them, so we can make a real impact in the communities where we live and work.
It has now been six months since the fund launched, and with our biggest challenge of the year just completed, we’re taking a moment to reflect on what our colleagues have achieved so far.
These events are more than just fundraisers. They're a reflection of the passion, commitment and heart that colleagues across NHSPS bring to everything we do.
Here’s just a snapshot of what colleagues have been doing:
Extreme Survival Challenge
Last week, 14 colleagues took on what many described as the most physically and mentally demanding experience of their lives, our annual Extreme Challenge. This year, we pushed all the boundaries and took part in a 24-hour wilderness survival experience.
With minimal supplies, they were dropped into one of England’s most remote forests and left to survive the night.
Over the course of 24 relentless hours, they had to:
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Build their own shelters from scratch
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Start fires with no fire starters and wet wood
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Source and purify their own water
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Endure torrential rain, cold temperatures and total exhaustion
This challenge wasn’t just a test of survival skills, it was a test of resilience, teamwork and mental strength.
Together, the team has raised £3,573 so far, and donations are still coming in.
Dragon Boat Race for Barnabus Manchester
On 13 September, colleagues took to the water for a cause close to our hearts: Barnabus Manchester, which supports people experiencing homelessness and helps them move off the streets and into accommodation.
Colleagues raced dragon boats through the rain, competing against other teams to be crowned the winners.
Thanks to generous donations and the team’s fundraising efforts, we raised £3,000 a contribution that will make a real difference.
International Food and Drink Day
This event brought colleagues together to share homemade dishes from their cultures and communities. The office was filled with incredible food, great conversations and a real sense of connection.
Thanks to everyone who took part and donated, we raised £400 for the Children’s Book Project, which helps reduce book poverty by redistributing gently used books to children in under-resourced communities.
Charity Football Match for Alexander Devine
Colleagues took to the pitch at St Mary’s Stadium, raising £2,682 for Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service, far exceeding the original target of £500.
The funds will support respite care, play therapy and emotional well-being services for over 200 children and their families.
Golf Day for Herriott Hospice and WHISH
On 19 September, colleagues took part in a charity golf tournament, raising £3,000 for Herriott Hospice Homecare and WHISH.
The day brought together teams of colleagues who competed on the course while being sponsored by friends, family and supporters. It was a fantastic mix of friendly competition and fundraising, with every swing helping to support palliative care, bereavement services and inclusive activities for children with hidden impairments.
And we’re not done yet...
We have already raised £23,493, over halfway to our £40,000 target, and we still have six months to go.
Coming up next:
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The Big Sleepout – Colleagues will sleep out on the streets of Stockport Town Centre, experiencing just one night of homelessness to raise funds for The Wellspring, a charity supporting homeless and disadvantaged individuals with food, healthcare and housing advice.
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Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge – Colleagues will take on 24 miles in 12 hours, climbing Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough to raise money for the Community Fund.
If you would like to support our Community Fund, you can donate here.
